What is a yield sign?

A yield sign is a regulatory traffic sign that tells drivers what they must or must not do to prevent injuries or accidents. These signs instruct drivers to either stop or slow down to allow pedestrians or other vehicles to pass before proceeding. Yield signs commonly posted on traffic poles are often characterized by an inverted triangle, with a white background, a red border, and a text that says, “Yield”. 

The purpose of a yield sign is to ensure there are no collisions at high-traffic intersections by informing drivers to “yield” and, therefore, “give up” and let other drivers pass by. When giving your driver tests, your instructor will observe whether you are following the yield signs while driving. You will simply have to observe the oncoming traffic and allow fellow drivers or pedestrians to pass by before resuming. Yield signs don't mean that you should stop, but allow other road drivers to pass by safely to ensure smooth traffic flow. In some countries, you’ll see “Give Way” rather than “Yield” on these regulatory traffic signage. 

According to most traffic laws in the US, road users who approach a yield sign need to slow down, check to see if there is any traffic coming on the cross-street, and then proceed. There is generally no need to stop unless there is another vehicle approaching.

What To Do At A Yield Sign?

When you come across a yield sign, it means that you should slow down or drive below five mph or stop if necessary. These regulatory yield signs are generally present at intersections to allow other drivers to merge safely. A driver who stops or allows other vehicles to pass through has essentially yielded the right way according to the law. For example, vehicles coming from the left of a roundabout have priority to pass through first in comparison to those entering it. So, drivers waiting to enter should “yield,” meaning wait for the other to pass through. 

Difference Between A Stop Sign And A Yield Sign

A stop sign usually forces drivers to come to a complete stop or halt from driving onto their usual lane. While yield signs may force drivers to stop in certain situations, however, it usually means to allow other vehicles or drivers to pass through before proceeding. It’s important to assess the situation before crossing where yield signs are placed. Meaning that you don't have to stop if you don't see any oncoming traffic or drivers trying to merge into another lane. 

Whereas for stop signs, you must stop before it whether you see any driver or not, due to potential potholes or obstacles that could lead to an accident. Generally, for high-traffic areas like four-way crossroads or more intensive roads, stop signs are more effective than yield signs. 

The Difference Between Yield Sign & Yellow Light

An illustration of a red and white yield sign with a sky and cloud background. A yield sign is often compared to a yellow traffic light, but that is actually an inaccurate comparison. The yellow traffic light indicates that the light is about to turn red, and so approaching vehicles either need to stop completely, or quickly proceed through the intersection. Even a flashing yellow light generally means that the oncoming traffic has the right-of-way, and it is the opposing traffic that needs to yield the right-of-way.

How A Yield Sign Looks:

In the United States, a yield sign will always be a triangle, with one point facing down. The triangle will have a red outline around the outside and a white center. In many cases, the word “YIELD” will be written in black against the white background. This design has changed over the years, with yellow yield signs being the highway standard up until the 1970s.

What Yield Signs Mean in Work Facilities

In many workplaces there will also be yield signs to let people know that they need to watch out for potential dangers. These signs are typically intended to provide instructions to the drivers of high-lows, forklifts, and other equipment. In many cases, these vehicles will be traveling in areas where pedestrians are crossing, and it is best to have the vehicles yield the right-of-way. This can help ensure both parties are safe.

Yield Signs & the Law

Drivers are required by state law to obey all traffic control devices, including yield signs. Negligence to yield the right-of-way as required by a yield sign can result in a number of expenses, not to mention damages and life-threatening accidents.

FAQ’s

Does yield mean stop? 

Yield means allowing other road users to go through first. This includes cars, bicycles, and pedestrians who are attempting to converge into another lane. Yield signs don't necessarily mean to stop completely and you can choose to drive along your path, after assessing the roadside before you. 

What is the meaning of yield sign?

During driving, a yield or give way sign encourages drivers to stop or allow merging road users to pass through. A driver who stops in the line of traffic to allow other vehicles to merge safely has yielded the right way to that vehicle. 

What is yield in terms of driving? 

To yield during driving is a core concept of safe driving. Driving instructors assess whether you have yielded the right of way during your driver's test to ensure you understand road regulatory signage. This means that, when drivers come across a yield sign they must allow the road user who has more authority to pass by first before proceeding to drive. The car with the right of way should go first while other drivers should. “Yield” means to stop or wait before the driver has passed through the intersection or roundabout. 

Does yield mean I have to stop?

When you see the yield sign, you must first assess the roads before you and decide to either slow down or yield the right to pass through first to other vehicles and pedestrians who are approaching from other directions. If you notice other road users approaching or attempting to merge, you should stop and let them go safely. Do not go unless the roads are clear or there is a significant distance between them. 

Should you stop at a yield sign? 

At a yield sign, you are free to choose from a list of options like stopping completely or slowing down to give way to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. This means that if you are in a car you assess the road situation before you and proceed only when it’s clear. While you don't have to stop at a yield sign, it’s better to yield and let other drivers pass through. For example, if you are entering a traffic highway, you must yield to oncoming traffic and enter when it’s clear and safe to do so.